Fleshy hawthorn, Succulent hawthorn, Long-spine hawthorn
Crataegus succulenta

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It can be a tree with several stems. It grows to 6-8 m high. It has dark twigs and thorns. The leaves are 3-8 cm long. They have shallow lobes. There are small, sharp teeth. The leaf stalks have grooves above and wings. The thorns are stout and up to 8 cm long. They are black and glossy. The flowers are white. The fruit are glossy and red. They are 6-8 mm across.

There are 200 or more Crataegus species.

Where it is found

Temperate. It suits hardiness zones 4-9. It can grow in a range of soil types and with various pH values. It can tolerate very wet soils as well as drought. It can grow in poor rocky dry soils. It is cold hardy.

Countries/locations it is found in

Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are used for jelly. They can be pressed into cakes and dried for later use.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Crataegus coloradensis;